My Understanding of Diplomacy Today

My study of the module "The New Diplomacy" has broadened my scope on what I have always known as diplomacy - contact between representatives of states on various issues. Diplomacy today as I see it is vastly different from what it was in the 19th century. I have also come to realize that many things have changed in diplomacy since the 19th century. I now see states gradually losing their monopolistic hold on subjects of international interest, thereby paving the way for international organizations and other entities to be recognized as diplomats. More than 15000 Non-Governmental Organizations directly or indirectly involved themselves in international affairs. Institutions like Greenpeace, Amnesty International act through their staff today to fulfill diplomatic functions. One of the most important challenges facing the global community is the prevention of destructive conflicts. I notice a new addition to diplomatic vocabulary is peace building. This refers to efforts made by those concerned to supervise elections, revamp the economy, humanitarian aid, resettling refuges, which in the most part are carried out by NGOs. Technology has pushed forward the old diplomcy. The days of filing procedures are gone, as new electronic innovations are developed. I see modern communications technology offering the diplomat easy and fast access to broad areas of information and speedy and reliable methods of transmission.